Rhododendron and azalea breeders and growers are encouraged to register the names of plants which they plan to distribute either commercially or privately. Registration ensures that each clone is given a name which is unique, thus avoiding confusion with other clones. A further benefit is that plant descriptions and histories are recorded in permanent files. The information in these records is accessible to anyone who requests it.
The Royal Horticultural Society is the International Registration Authority for rhododendrons. The ARS, serving as North American representative to the RHS, screens names to determine whether they conform to the recommendations published in the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants - 1980, and whether they are available for use. The ARS also prepares registration applications in the form required by the RHS, forwards certificates to registrants, publishes plant names and descriptions, and maintains permanent plant records.
Registrations have been completed for the following North American plants during the period August 10, 1988 through November 20, 1988. Descriptions will be included in the next edition of the ARS Plant Registry, to be published as in the Spring 1989 issue of the Journal.